Joyce B. Hicks

Recently in a hotel we noticed a very affectionate couple. They had the good looks and age difference of Hollywood couples–a greying man and much younger woman of girl-next-door freshness. I pondered. Was he famous? Was this an affair, or were they newly-weds? What was this young woman thinking? He’s handsome and fun now but–.

My granddaughter offered, “He’s probably rich, Grandma!”

“Oh, it can’t be that simple,” I said. “There’s much more to it” and began with more speculation that brought out the usual family eye-rolling over my obsession with people-watching.

The minutiae of family life is a well of data and drama, particularly at gateways to new stages such as from child to teen, single to couple, or parenting of offspring to parenting of elders. These public interchanges give me story ideas as I ask what’s at stake there and for whom?

First person story-telling is a complementary interest. I have joined in a wonderful class called GeNarrations, sponsored by the Goodman Theater in Chicago and participated in performances. Quilting, knitting, and gardening are other pursuits I love, and of course, spending time with my grandchildren and husband are the best times of life.

Thank you so much for looking for me, Joyce Burd Hicks. We may have met in Cortland, New York, class of ’63, St. Lawrence University, or in Northwest Indiana or northern Michigan. I write stories about families and marriages–secrets unveiled, new stages arising, and adjustment to unanticipated futures and history.

Please contact me at joyce@joycebhicks.com